Follow Blog via Email

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Search for:

When/Then and If/Then

Two useful discipline tools for parents are the “when / then” and the “if / then” statements.

When / Then

This statement basically says “when you do [this positive behavior], then you will get [this positive social reward].”

The statement first tells your child what you want them to do, then it implies that you are totally expecting your child to do this positive thing, now that you’ve explained to them what’s expected. And in return for doing it, they can expect to continue to have your loving, positive attention.

Some examples:

“When you’ve brushed your teeth and gone potty, then we get to read a bedtime story.”

“When you finish cleaning up your Legos, then we can play a game.”

“When you’re ready for school on time, then you can work on a drawing.”

“When you’re sitting down in your chair, then I will give you your dessert.”

“When you’re sitting in your car seat, then I will tell you a joke.”

If / Then

“If you do [this negative behavior], then you will get [this consequence.]”

This statement assumes they are likely to do something wrong, and tells them that if they do, they will experience a negative consequence.

You don’t want to start here: First, assume the best of your child! Giving a “when / then” first gives them the best chance at making a positive choice and being rewarded for that.

If the when / then didn’t work, that’s when we turn to if / then.

“If you can’t finish getting ready for bed in the next five minutes, then you’ll have to go straight to bed without a bedtime story.”

“If you don’t put your Legos away in the next five minutes, then I will have to put them away, and you won’t be able to play with them tomorrow.”

“If you’re not ready for school on time, then you won’t be able to draw today.”

“If you don’t sit down now, then you won’t be able to have dessert tonight.”

“If you don’t sit in your car seat by yourself, then I will have to put you there and buckle you in. Then I can’t tell you the joke I have saved up for today.”

Think about your tone when presenting these statements. These don’t need to come off as angry threats that sound like “If you don’t cut that out, you’re going to be in big trouble with me!!” They can just be matter of fact statements about the natural or logical consequences of their actions. You may even let your tone know that you’re a little disappointed that you won’t be able to read the bedtime story or tell them the joke – that encourages them to try harder to win back that positive social reward from you.